The UNHCR said it was “extremely concerned” by the events at the camp.

“Staff have been working closely overnight to co-ordinate the response with other agencies and the relevant authorities… to ensure that those who have fallen ill were able to receive swift medical treatment and that the seriously sick were provided transport to nearby hospitals,” the statement said.

The food, containing beans, chicken and yoghurt, was prepared in a restaurant in Irbil and brought to the camp by a Qatari charity, Rudaw added.

It quoted camp supervisor Rizgar Obed as saying that outside organisations had previously been banned from bringing in food, but the camp authorities had been forced “under great pressure” to change the regulations.